In 1984, I wrote several articles for various antique trade publication alerting the general public that American sewing machines were becoming quite collectible and were experiencing a growing market. At that time, there were only several serious collectors, including myself, searching in earnest for early machines. At the present, there are still a number of us searching for these bygone mechanical devices.
Advanced collectors, then as well as today, are looking for the earlier versions, notably the machines manufactured between 1850 to 1875. This includes treadle (fig. 1), portable hand crank (fig. 2) and full-length cabinet models (fig. 3). The treadle machines usually have a solid walnut table with a small box covering the head. The machine heads on these early treadle models were much smaller and crude compared to machines manufactured from the 1880s and beyond.
A highly desirable, rare machine is defined as one that was produced in small numbers (less than five) or a low production model of a more commonly found machine. For example, the Landfear treadle machine was manufactured in 1857, and only one is presently known. Today, a machine such as this is considered extremely rare and could command a hefty price. Another machine in this class is the Singer Family Machine (nicknamed the “Turtleback”), which was manufactured for only a two-year period (1858-60). This was the first Singer designed for home use but proved not to function well. The treadle design is very ornate with intertwined leaves as found on trees. The Singer No. 1 (fig. 4) was Singer’s first machine, which was manufactured from 1851 to ’58. This was a very heavy machine and was typically used commercially vs. for domestic home use. Although a number of these machines exist, being the earliest Singer makes it a sought-after example.
American sewing machines were first manufactured in quantity for home use beginning in the 1850s. An example of an early mass-produced machine is the Grover and Baker portable produced from 1854 to ’59 (fig. 5 and 6). In good condition, it can command a price of $1,000 to $2,000. A later version of the Grover and Baker portable (fig. 7) was produced in the mid-1860s into the 1870s. These models can command a price of $500 to $1,000 on the open market, depending on condition. These portables have always been among my favorities. By the year 1860, many different companies were producing sewing machines totaling several hundred thousand.
As with other categories of collectables, condition is everything. An early machine with no significant damage to the wood and treadle base and with most of the original gilt and decorations to the machine head intact will command the highest prices. Machines in poor condition are worth significantly less. Mass-produced treadle and portable machines from the late 1860s and 1870s, such as the Wheeler and Wilson, the Grover and Baker, Wilson, Wilcox and Gibbs, and American, to name a few, can be acquired at values under $500. Full cabinet models will command higher prices.
Sewing machines of the period of 1880 to the early 1900s are very common and are not seriously collected. The circa 1915 Singer (fig. 8) is an example of the typical, common fold down head variety manufactured at the turn of the 20th century. Machines of this period are usually made of oak veneer with two or more drawers on each side.
To contact the author about unusual early sewing machines, write or email to:
Gene Bishop
41715 Deer Grass Terrace
Aldie, Va. 20105
gbishthehunt71@yahoo.com